Matters

Successfully represented the developer of 42 newly completed residential condominium units located in Monroe Township, NJ in challenging the Borough of Jamesburg’s refusal to accept attempts to register the units as rentals, an issue critical for the closing of a pending sale of the property to a third-party buyer. This dispute was resolved amicably soon after filing suit in the Superior Court of New Jersey under an agreement that will allow the client to receive rental unit licenses after resubmitting applications to the Borough along with all applicable registration fees.

Commercial Bank – All Claims Dismissed in Litigation over Failed Loan

Negotiated a settlement on behalf of a commercial bank resulting in the voluntary dismissal of all claims filed in a New Jersey state court by an asset manager seeking to hold the bank responsible for losses on a failed loan made to a furniture business prior to the business’ bankruptcy filing. Claiming that it had been induced into extending the loan based, in part, on a multi- million revolving credit line extended to the business by our client, the plaintiff argued that the credit line and our client’s alleged failure to adequately monitor the business gave the plaintiff the impression that the business was is better financial shape than it was. Following Herrick’s filing of a third-party complaint, repeated motions to dismiss and an aggressive discovery, the plaintiff dismissed its claims against our client without any payment or admission of wrongdoing while negotiating settlements from the remaining defendants.

Special Servicer for $124 Million Mortgage Loan – Foreclosure and Ancillary Litigation

Representing the special servicer for a $124 million mortgage loan encumbering the Mall at the Source, a shopping center located in Westbury, New York. Herrick prosecuted a foreclosure action on the property to conclusion, obtaining a $145 million judgment against the property owner, and represented the client as the successful bidder at the foreclosure sale. The firm is also handling certain ancillary litigation relating to a purchase option held by our client on adjoining property, and obtained an appellate court decision that thwarted an attempt by the holder of a mortgage on the adjoining property from extinguishing the purchase option through foreclosure proceedings.

Special Servicer – Litigation to Collect over $100 Million in Loans Secured by Campground Sites

Represented a commercial mortgage special servicer in its efforts to collect amounts due under two loans for $75 million and $38 million, secured by campground sites located throughout the country. Our representation of the client involved seven foreclosure actions, filed in both New Jersey and New York state courts, through which we have taken title to all seven properties. In the course of prosecuting these actions, we obtained an important decision from the Appellate Division, enforcing our client's standard pre-negotiation agreement – an agreement routinely obtained by lenders to avoid potential lender liability claims.

Real Estate Finance Company – Entry and Collection of $12 Million Judgment

Herrick obtained the entry of a judgment totaling approximately $12 million against a real estate developer, two of his sons, and their affiliated entities. Following the entry of judgment, the judgment debtors refused to comply with multiple court orders holding the defendants in contempt and compelling them to respond to a variety of subpoenas. Herrick conducted depositions and other discovery regarding the judgment debtors' ability to pay and, upon doing so, filed an application for an installment payment order under C.P.L.R. § 5226. Following a four-day hearing before a court-appointed referee, the referee found one of the judgment debtors had an imputed annual income of $370,000 and that two of the other judgment debtors each had imputed annual incomes of $830,000. On that basis, the referee recommended, and the Supreme Court confirmed, that the judgment debtors are required to pay $406,000.00 per annum to Herrick's client, in equal installments of $33,833 per month, until the amounts due on the judgment have been paid and satisfied in full.

On behalf of an owner of a multi-million-dollar commercial property in Union County, New Jersey, Herrick obtained summary dismissal of an action in lieu of prerogative writs filed by two plaintiffs who each claimed an interest in a neighboring property and sought to obstruct the sale and redevelopment of our client's property. On our motion to dismiss, the New Jersey Superior Court held that the plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the redevelopment approvals granted by the municipal planning board and dismissed the complaint against our client with prejudice. Herrick continues to represent the client in connection with plaintiffs' appeal.

Real Estate Investment Fund – Action to Foreclose on $39.5 Million Mortgage Secured by New Jersey Office Building

Herrick delivered a series of important victories on behalf of a real estate investment joint venture in hard fought litigation to foreclose on a $39.5 million mortgage secured by an Edison, New Jersey office building. After obtaining rulings that struck or dismissed all of the defendant debtors’ affirmative defenses and the majority of their counterclaims and third-party claims, the firm won the appointment of a special fiscal agent to oversee the receipt and disbursement of all future revenue from the building as well as an order requiring the return of all misappropriated funds. In the wake of these successes, the parties were able to reach a settlement on extremely favorable terms for the client.

Successfully defended the U.S. affiliate of a multinational food & beverage company sued in New Jersey federal court by a distributor alleging violation of the state's Franchise Practices Act. In both the district court and on appeal to the Third Circuit, Herrick delivered key victories in opposing the plaintiff's efforts to secure an injunction preventing our client from effecting its contractual right not to renew an exclusive distribution agreement between the parties. In the district court, we obtained rulings partially dismissing the complaint, denying plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction, and denying plaintiff's motion for an injunction pending its appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Following expedited briefing, the appellate court found in our client's favor, affirming the district court's rulings. In light of these developments, the parties ultimately reached a settlement and stipulated to the dismissal of this litigation.

Business Dispute – Proposed Solar Farm Joint Venture

Successfully defended a New Jersey-based real estate company in litigation filed in New York state court by a potential joint venture partner in the development of New Jersey solar farm installations. When the venture never materialized, the plaintiff filed suit asserting breach of contract and tort claims, and seeking over $10 million in damages. Herrick obtained a dismissal of all claims against the client in the trial court, and won affirmation of the dismissal from the Appellate Division, First Department.